Muzzy Izzet has announced his retirement from professional football after admitting defeat with a persistent knee injury that has decimated his career at Birmingham City.

The 31-year-old arrived at St Andrew's with an excellent appearance record with Leicester City, but was struck down by the injury curse that afflicted so many Birmingham players during their tenure in the Premiership.

Izzet accumulated only 28 appearances for Birmingham and scored just one goal since arriving from Leicester in July 2004.

A prodigiously talented midfielder, Izzet still had 12 months remaining on his contract, which has been cancelled and he will be awaiting an insurance payout after hanging up his boots permanently.

Birmingham fans only witnessed fleeting glimpses of Izzet's potential, as a succession of knee injuries curtailed his career prematurely.

"Muzzy has endured a terribly frustrating time with us and you can't help but feel for him," said Steve Bruce.

"When he signed for us from Leicester, he arrived with an exemplary appearance record and had hardly missed a game due to injury.

"We would like to thank Muzzy for his efforts during his two years here and wish him all the very best for whatever he chooses to do."

As the curtain draws on Izzet's Birmingham career, another is set to start with the arrival of Stephen Kelly, however.

The Republic of Ireland international made more than 40 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur and is expected to breeze through a medical after agreeing personal terms.

The 22-year-old will fill the chasm created by Mario Melchiot's departure and is Bruce's third summer signing after the acquisitions of Cameron Jerome and Neil Danns.

Finally, Birmingham have released striker Njazi Kuqi without making a first-team appearance for the club.

The towering Finland striker was procured for a fee of £400, 000 in January 2005 from FC Lahti and still had 12 months remaining on his contract.

However, this has been cancelled by mutual consent and he follows in the footsteps of fellow striker Luciano Figueroa as a gamble that backfired miserably for Bruce.